Friday, January 22, 2010

TURKISH COFFEE - CAFÉ TURC

"Ah, how sweet coffee tastes! Lovelier than a thousand kisses, sweeter far than muscatel wine! I must have coffee....", Johann Sebastian Bach in 1732.

Until now, I have very rarely blogged about beverages. It is not that I don't like to drink, it's just that I never really think about writing on that subject. Well, thanks to Zarpandit from "Cikolata & Istanbul" (Turkey), I'm about to change things a little...

Since she sent me a packet which contained two little cups and saucers as well as some "Turkish Coffee" and a "cezve", there was no way that I was not going to grab the opportunity to blog about that unique drink."Turkish Coffee" is a very fragrant, strong and dark coffee prepared in a "cezve", a small pot that holds either one or two servings. Compared to other coffees, this one is made by putting water, sugar and ground coffee in a pot, bringing that mixture to the boil and serving it unfiltred.This way of making coffe was introduced to Turkey over four and a half century ago, not long after a Turkish governor brought back beans of coffee Arabica from Yemen. Within a century, first Venice, then London and Paris were introduced to coffee via the Ottomans, which naturally acquired its epithet “Turkish” to become “Turkish Coffee”.

At the origin, coffee comes from Ethiopia, the true home of the plant, where it still grows wild in the forest of the highlands.It is believed that its cultivation as well as use began as early as the 9th century and that Ethiopian ancestors of today's Oromo people were the first to have discovered and recognized the energizing effect of the coffee bean plant. Knowing that, one can imagine that it is their coffee ceremony that has been exported to Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus and the Balkans where similar methods of preparation exist.

I am a real sucker for good coffee and I must say that since I have discovered "Turkish Coffee", I can't drink any other coffee without thinking that it is less flavorful and pleasant. Divine!~ Turkish Coffee ~

Method:1. Place the water in the "cezve".2. Add the coffee and the desired amount of sugar.3. Stir well.4. Place "cezve" on low heat.5. Slowly bring to a boil (the coffee is ready when a layer of foam appears on the top of the pot).6. Serve.

Remarks:Don't put the pot over high heat, leave it alone otherwise you'll have no control over the high-rising foam.

Seving suggestions:Turkish coffee is always served with a glass of water. You need to drink the water first to clean your palate!Find a comfortable spot in which to savor your delicious coffee and remember, drink it sip by sip.

Beautiful post Rosa! Turkish coffee is very common where I'm from. I drink it every morning and can't imagine going to work without it. Just the smell of freshly brewed Turkish coffee instantly opens your eyes and awakens all the senses.

I'm not a coffee drinker but my husband and his family (from Serbia) are crazy about Turkish coffee and drink it a lot. I have one of those little pots but mine is far simpler. I'm always worried it will fall over on the hob!

Although my parents always had the little pot in the kitchen I never tasted Turkish coffee until I visited Sarajevo in 1989. I still remember the plaza where we sat to drink it, looking out at the marvel of the diverse population inhabiting that wonderful city. The next year the war in Bosnia was in full force, really tragic.

I love coffee, I don't think I could like without my daily cappuccino.

WOW!!! GREAT!!! post about Turkish coffee.I found your blog via Sugar @ Vanillastrawberryspringfields. I have become a follower, I love to share recipes and ideas. Come by and maybe you can do the same.Geri

Such an informative post Rosa. I adore Turkish coffee. I did learn how to make yogurt from my Turkish friends before they returned home and although we enjoyed ceremonious coffee moments, I never learned how to brew it. Beautiful pot!!!

Very cool. My family being from the Balkans, I have drunk my fair share of this stuff over the years. I was at a restaurant awhile ago that had Turkish cofee tiramisu and it was awesome. Something to consider...